The Made by Google Pixel 9 launch event kicks off tomorrow. Here’s what we expect

It’s almost time for the tech world to stop whatever it’s doing and focus on a major company showing off its latest hardware. The next one Google’s back to the bat. Thanks to a series of leaks and Google’s own tease, we already have a pretty clear idea of ​​what the company is planning. Made by Google hardware event. The show will take place on Tuesday, August 13 at 1:00 PM ET.

For one thing, we’ll get an official announcement of the Pixel 9 lineup. That includes what the company is calling the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is arguably more of a mouthful than the “Pixel Fold 2.” In addition, Google will surely provide more details about Android 15 and the release of the operating system to the public. Expect to hear the word “Gemini” a lot too, as Google will focus on the AI-powered features of the new phones. Some accessories may be in store in the form of Pixel Buds Pro 2 and a new Pixel Watch (or two).

Here it is Here’s how to watch Google launch its Pixel 9 phones and various other devices at the Made by Google event. Engadget will also live blog it (look for the link here early Tuesday morning).

In the meantime, here’s what we know about what Google will be showing off at the event, and everything we can expect to learn at Made by Google:

Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL

As always, the main event of Made by Google will be the Pixel 9 series. Google has confirmed that it will be showing off new smartphones at the event (as if it was really in doubt), but this year it’s expected to have three models instead of the traditional two.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will be the direct successors to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Leaks and rumors suggest that Google will also add the Pixel 9 Pro XL to the lineup, which will have a larger screen than the other two models. YouTuber Andro-news It claims to have engineered a larger phone with flat edges, polished metal on the sides and matte textured glass on the back. However, the phone was not opened in the video.

The Pixel 9 Pro is expected to have more advanced features than the Pixel 9, but will have the same screen size. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is expected to have almost the same specs as the 9 Pro, but in a bigger phone. Per Tom’s Guide, The 9 and 9 Pro displays will be around 6.3 inches, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL may have a 6.9-inch screen.

All three phones are expected revised camera module. This big camera stick (Google approved for at least Pixel 9 Pro) appears to protrude slightly from the main body. If you don’t pick up a proper case, you can probably expect it to stick in your pocket more often than you’d like. It’s the Pixel 9 is believed to be In the camera lineup, 50MP wide and 48MP ultra-wide lenses.

Google will probably use a new chipset this year, which will be called Tensor G4. Leaks have also suggested that the flagship Pixel 9 will come with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The two larger phones are expected to pack a maximum of 512GB of storage. Another addition expected this year is the presentation emergency satellite messagingA feature supported by Apple the last two generations of iPhone.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google will be hoping that consumers will find the design of its latest foldable phone more elegant than its name suggests. “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” It doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily as the Pixel Fold 2. However, if Google wants to more clearly position the foldable as a premium product by including “Pro” in its name, the change makes sense. If the foldable device has the same chipset as the rest of the Pixel 9 series, the name change makes more sense.

It’s not uncommon for phone makers to go with a second (or even third) major redesign in a new form factor as they learn what works and what doesn’t. Like its sturdier siblings, the 9 Pro Fold has a noticeable camera bump that positions the lens vertically. Leaked images According to a regulator in Taiwan, the selfie camera has been moved to the internal display to support a wider field of view. It seems that Google has reduced the fold wrinkle this time as well.

Android 15 and Gemini

As usual, Google has been gradually announcing Android 15 features over the past few months, helping developers update their apps before the operating system is released to the public. together with security measures It’s no surprise that Google is embedding AI more tightly into the fabric of its mobile operating system, such as Anti-Theft Lock and Google Play fraud prevention.

The Made by Google teasers they made it very clear that the company’s new devices are focusing on artificial intelligence features, such as the ability to draft a letter or email upon request. Google Confirmed in I/O that Gemini will be more deeply integrated into Android 15 (perhaps resulting in the demise of Google Assistant) and will better understand what you’re doing in context. For example, you’ll be able to ask the chatbot questions about a YouTube video you’re watching, and it should be able to answer them. You can think of it as a modern, interactive version Pop-Up Video.

In the event, we should get a release date for Android 15 – at least for supported Pixel devices. Around the same time, Google will start shipping the new Pixel series, most likely in August.

Pixel Watch 3

Google isn’t building ships considering how many leaks it’s dealing with. A few weeks before Made by Google, Android Headlines passed into his hands Pixel Watch 3 specsIt is expected to be available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm.

The Pixel Watch 3 will likely feature an Actua display capable of up to 2,000 nits of brightness – twice as bright as the previous model’s AMOLED display. According to the leak, Google claims that the battery saver mode extends the time between charges by up to 36 hours, though you’ll get up to 24 hours of standard wearable use with the always-on display enabled. The smaller model is expected to offer 20 percent faster charging than the previous model.

Google was expected to call the larger model the Pixel Watch 3 XL. However, this is no longer expected to be the case Android Headlines. The publication states that the size of each variant will be listed in parentheses to distinguish them.

Pixel Buds Pro 2

Two years have passed since the release of Google Pixel Buds Proso they need a lot of improvement. Rumors suggest that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will debut Made By Google. Some of them presents an informal In addition to the existing Charcoal and Porcelain colors, it suggests there will also be Aloe and Hot Pink variants to match the various Pixel phone options. It looks like Google is also bringing back a version of the wingtip design from the original Pixel Buds.

It remains to be seen what Google has in store for the audio side of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but we at least have some idea of ​​the price. Rumors suggest The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will cost $229, which is $30 more than the base price of the current model.

Everything else

Honestly, it’s everything we expect to see in Made by Google. At the event, the company was expected to unveil its latest Nest Learning Thermostat and a new streaming box, but Google actually revealed these a week before the main showcase.

Fourth generation Nest Learning Thermostat it has a 60 percent larger LCD display than the previous model with the ability to have customizable faces. It will be available on August 20 in three colors: silver, black and gold. It costs $280 and comes with a wireless temperature sensor.

That’s all Google TV Broadcasterit will cost you $100 and will be available next month. While it costs twice as much as a Chromecast with a Google TV dongle, the company has upgraded the specs with a faster GPU, 4GB of RAM instead of 2GB, and four times the storage at 32GB. There’s also support for HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and spatial audio (via Google Pixel Buds). In addition, Google TV Streamer is designed to be a smart home hub. There’s Matter support and a Google Home dashboard that lets you control smart bulbs and view live video from connected doorbells and security cameras.

These are at least reasonably attractive devices, so it seems a little odd that Google didn’t want to focus more on them instead of showing them off at its August 13 event. Google wants the event to be primarily about smartphones, smartwatches and headphones. This makes sense, as these will be the most successful hardware categories for the company during the all-important holiday season. Still, there’s always room for at least one surprise (Bring back Stadia you cowards).